Watergate

the political scandal in the U.S. executive branch, involving violations of law and abuse of power, that led to the resignation of Pres. Richard M. Nixon in 1974

Origin of Watergate

after Watergate, building complex in Washington, D.C., housing Democratic Party headquarters, burglarized (June, 1972) under direction of government officials

Watergate

noun

A series of scandals occurring during the Nixon administration in which members of the executive branch organized illegal political espionage against their perceived opponents and were charged with violation of the public trust, bribery, contempt of Congress, and attempted obstruction of justice.

Origin of Watergate

After Watergate, a building complex in Washington, DC, the site of a burglary (1972) that gave rise to the scandals.